Disposable teeth cleaning system

ABSTRACT

The disclosure describes several embodiments of a disposable teeth cleaning system comprising: an elongated body comprising, a brush portion for cleaning teeth wherein the brushes are coated with Xylitol™, fluoride, or a flavoring agent, a flossing portion having a flossing member coated with coated with Xylitol™, fluoride, and a handle portion joining the brush portion to the flossing portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of: U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/602,577, entitled “ADisposable Teeth Cleaning System,” filed on Feb. 23, 2012; U.S. DesignPatent Application 29/427,733, filed on Jul. 21, 2012, entitled “ADisposable Teeth Cleaning System”; the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates in general to toothbrushes, and in particular to adisposable teeth cleaning system.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Using a toothbrush away from home or a hotel room is awkward. One mustcarry toothpaste and a toothbrush. Often one must use a traditionaltoothbrush in public bathrooms which are not typically sanitary. Afterusing a toothbrush, the bristles are wet and hold water. It is hard tokeep the bristles sanitary while drying. Thus, often travelers use casesto keep the wet bristles away for unsanitary surfaces. However, themoist environment of a case can cause bacterial growth.

What is needed, therefore, is a system to allow travelers and others toclean their teeth in a sanitary and convenient manner.

SUMMARY

In response to these and other problems, in one embodiment, there is adisposable teeth cleaning system designed for a single use and wrappedin a sterile package. In one embodiment, the teeth cleaning systemcomprises a primary elongated handle having two end portions. On one endportion, there is a head having brush elements extending perpendicularlyfrom the longitudinal axis of the handle. At the opposing end portion,there is a flossing device and a toothpick. The entire length of thesystem is relatively short to accommodate pockets and to make carryingeasy.

In another embodiment, there may be a teeth cleaning system comprising:an elongated body comprising: (1) a brush means for brushing teeth,wherein the brush means comprises: a plurality of groups of bristles, abrush retaining portion having a plurality of apertures sized to coupledwith and retain the plurality of groups of bristles in a generallytransverse direction to the longitudinal axis, (2) a flossing meanscomprising: a curved portion coupled to the handle portion, a sideprojected portion extending generally laterally from the handle portion,a flossing member strung between the curved portion and the sideprojected portion; (3) a toothpick means positioned on a surface of thecurved portion having a second longitudinal axis that is generallytransverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion, and (4) ahandle means positioned between the brush means and the flossing means,the handle means having a cross sectional shape which can be heldcomfortably by the human hand.

In another embodiment, there is described several embodiments ofdisposable teeth cleaning systems comprising: an elongated bodycomprising, a brush portion for cleaning teeth wherein the brushes arecoated with Xylitol™, fluoride, or a flavoring agent, a flossing portionhaving a flossing member coated with coated with Xylitol™, fluoride, anda handle portion joining the brush portion to the flossing portion.

These and other features, and advantages, will be more clearlyunderstood from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings. It is important to note the drawings arenot intended to represent the only aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a bottom perspective view illustrating one embodiment of ateeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1 b is a side perspective view illustrating one embodiment of ateeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1 c is a top perspective view illustrating one embodiment of ateeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaningsystem which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaningsystem which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view illustrating an alternate embodiment ofa teeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 a is a bottom perspective view illustrating one embodiment of ateeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 b is a side perspective view illustrating one embodiment of ateeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 c is a top perspective view illustrating one embodiment of ateeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaningsystem which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaningsystem which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8 a is a bottom perspective view illustrating one embodiment of ateeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 b is a side perspective view illustrating one embodiment of ateeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 c is a top perspective view illustrating one embodiment of ateeth cleaning system which incorporates one or more aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaningsystem which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a teeth cleaningsystem which incorporates one or more aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments, orexamples, illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be usedto describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that nolimitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Anyalterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, andany further applications of the principles of the invention as describedherein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in theart to which the invention relates.

When directions, such as upper, lower, top, bottom, clockwise, andcounter-clockwise, are discussed in this disclosure, such directions aremeant to only supply reference directions for the illustrated figuresand for orientation of components in the figures. The directions shouldnot be read to imply actual directions used in any resulting inventionor actual use. Under no circumstances should such directions be read tolimit or impart any meaning into the claims.

Turning now to FIG. 1 a through FIG. 3, there is presented oneembodiment of a teeth cleaning system 10. The teeth cleaning system 10comprises an elongated body 12 having a longitudinal axis 13. Theelongated body 12 further comprises a flossing portion 14, a handleportion 16 and a brush portion 18. Furthermore, in certain embodimentsthere may be a toothpick or toothpick device 20.

In certain embodiments, the overall length of the elongated body 12 maybe in the range of approximately 4″ or 100 mm, plus or minus 50 percent.In other embodiments, the over all length of the elongated body 12 maybe in the range of approximately 6″ or 150 mm and may range up to alength of approximately 9″ or 228 mm. In certain embodiments, theelongated body 12 is molded from a sterile plastic, such aspolypropylene, or by low strength TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane), suchas TPU having a hardness of 80 to 100 shore.

In some embodiments, the flossing portion 14 comprises a curved portion22 of the elongated body 12 and a side projected portion 24. The curvedportion 22 and the side projected portion 24 provide sufficient supportto allow a flossing member 26 to be strung tautly between the respectiveends of the curved portion 22 and side projected portion 24. In someembodiments, the flossing member 26 may comprise a nylon, anylon-polyester blend, Terylene, or Polyester string of approximately0.1 mm (0.00394″) in diameter. In certain embodiments, the flossingmember 26 may be coated with: (1) Xylitol™ and a flavoring agent, (2)Xylitol and fluoride and a flavoring agent, (3) fluoride and a flavoringagent, or (4) any combination Xylitol and fluoride with or without aflavoring agent.

At the opposing end of the elongated body 12, there is the brush portion18. The brush portion 18 comprises a head 28 which widens with respectto the handle portion 16 to accommodate a plurality of bristles 30extending from the head 28 in a substantially transverse manner to thelongitudinal axis 13. In some embodiments, the plurality of bristles 30extend approximately 5 mm (0.1969″) from the head 28. In certainembodiments, each bristle in the plurality of bristles 30 have adiameter of approximately 0.15 mm (0.00591″). In certain embodiments,the bristles 30 are made from nylon or a nylon polyester blend. Incertain embodiments, the bristles 30 may be coated with: (1) Xylitol anda flavoring agent, (2) Xylitol and fluoride and a flavoring agent, (3)fluoride and a flavoring agent, or (4) any combination Xylitol andfluoride with or without a flavoring agent.

As previously discussed, a handle portion 16 joins the brush portion 18to the flossing portion 14. In certain embodiments, the thickness of thehandle portion 16 narrows at point 32 to provide greater flexibility tothe flossing portion 14 for easier maneuvering within the user's mouth.In some embodiments, the handle portion 16 has a thickness of 4 mm(0.16″) at the brush portion 18 which tapers down to 1.6 mm (0.063″) atthe flossing portion 14.

In certain embodiments, there is the tip or toothpick 20 projecting froma top or bottom face of the curved portion 22. In certain embodiments,the toothpick 20 extends out from the face by approximately 5 mm (0.2″).In some embodiments, the toothpick 20 is made from rubber or a plasticpolymer or Kraton. In certain embodiments, the toothpick is formed fromthe same material as the elongated body 12 and may be integral with theelongated body or separately molded and press fit into an apertureformed at the end portion of the flossing portion as indicated in FIG. 1a through FIG. 3.

Additional Embodiments

In the alternative embodiment illustrated by the system 40 in FIG. 4,the toothpick 38 projects from a side face of the curved portion 22. Thesystem 40 illustrated by FIG. 4 is similar to the teeth cleaning system10 except for placement of the toothpick 38.

Turning now to FIG. 5 a through FIG. 7, there is presented analternative embodiment of a teeth cleaning system 110. The teethcleaning system 110 comprises a elongated body 112 having a longitudinalaxis 113. The elongated body 112 further comprises a flossing portion114, a handle portion 116 and a brush portion 118. Furthermore, incertain embodiments there may be a toothpick or toothpick device 120.

In certain embodiments, the overall length of the elongated body 112 maybe in the range of approximately 4.72″ or 120 mm, plus or minus 20percent. In other embodiments, the over all length of the elongated body112 may be in the range of approximately 6″ or 150 mm and may range upto a length of approximately 9″ or 228 mm. In certain embodiments,components of the teeth cleaning system 110 are made from the samematerial(s) as in the corresponding components of the teeth cleaningsystem 10 described in reference to FIGS. 1 through 3.

In certain embodiments and as points of reference only, the elongatedbody 112 may have a top face 140, a bottom face 142, a side face 144 andan opposing side face 146. Each of these faces may comprise one or moresurfaces. Furthermore, in some embodiments, there may be end surfaces.For instance, a curved surface 148 joins the side face 144 to an endsurface 150. Similarly, a curved surface 152 joins the opposing sideface 146 to the end surface 150. Other surfaces are illustrated in theFigures and will not be explained in detail unless reference to aspecific feature is discussed using one of the surfaces.

In some embodiments, the flossing portion 114 comprises a curved portion122 of the elongated body 112 and a side projected portion 124. Thecurved portion 122 and the side projected portion 124 provide sufficientsupport to allow a flossing member 126 to be strung tautly between therespective ends of the curved portion 122 and side projected portion124. In some embodiments, the flossing member 126 may comprise a Nylon,Terylene or Polyester string of approximately 0.1 mm (0.00394″) indiameter (or a flossing member which is similar in material anddimensions to flossing member 26 described above in reference to FIGS. 1a through 3).

At the opposing end of the elongated body 112, there is the brushportion 118. The brush portion 118 comprises a head 128 sized toaccommodate a plurality of groups of bristles 130 extending from asurface 132 of the head 128 in a substantially transverse manner to thelongitudinal axis 113. In certain embodiments, there may be twenty-two(22) groups of bristles where each group of bristles, say bristle group130 a comprises a plurality of individual bristles (not shown). In someembodiments, the individual bristles in the plurality of bristle groups130 extend approximately 5 mm (0.2″) from the surface 132 of head 128.Each group of bristles, for instance, group of bristles 130 a may beinserted into a corresponding aperture 134 a defined in the face 132 ofthe head 128 and attached to the head by means known to those skilled inthe art, such as a sterile industrial glue. In certain embodiments, eachbristle (not shown) in the group of the bristles 130 a may have adiameter of 0.15 mm (0.00591″). The bristles 130 may be made of asimilar material and have the same functions and benefits of thebristles 30 described above.

The head 128 comprises a brush retaining portion 136 for retaining theplurality of brushes and a transition portion 138 which couples thebrush retaining portion 136 to the handle portion 116. In certainembodiments the width and depth of the transition portion 138 narrowsalong the longitudinal axis 113 from the brush retaining portion 136 tothe handle portion 116 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. In other words,at point “A” the width and thickness of transition portion 138 is largerthan at point “B.” In certain embodiments, there may be acircumferential indent or groove 154 designed to reduce the rigidity ofthe head 128 to provide a certain amount of “give” as the teeth cleaningsystem 110 is used.

As previously discussed, the handle portion 116 joins the brush portion118 to the flossing portion 114. In certain embodiments, the thicknessand width of the handle portion 116 varies along the longitudinaldirection for ease of use and comfort. For instance, in certainembodiments, the width (i.e., the distance between the surfaces of theside face 144 and the surfaces of the opposing side face 146 asillustrated in FIG. 6) of the handle portion 116 increases laterally(with respect to the longitudinal axis 113) from the groove 154 to adouble crown point “C” (with respect to the longitudinal axis 113). Fromthe double crown point “C” to the point “D” (which is the longitudinalpoint that defines the intersection of the handle portion 116 with theflossing portion 114), the width of the handle portion decreaseslaterally. In certain embodiments, the width of the handle portion 116at the double crown point “C” is 12 mm (0.47″). In certain embodiments,the width of the handle portion 116 at point “D” is 7 mm (0.28″). Asillustrated in FIG. 6, the transition from the groove 154 to the doublecrown point “C” and back to point “D” may be accomplished by the use ofconvex curved surfaces 156 a and 156 b (See FIG. 6).

Similarly, in certain embodiments, the thickness (e.g. the distancebetween the surfaces of the top face 140 and the surfaces of the bottomface 142 as illustrated in FIG. 7) of the handle portion 116 increaseslaterally (with respect to the longitudinal axis 113) from the groove154 to the double crown point “C.” From the double crown point “C” tothe point “D” (which defines the intersection of the handle portion 116with the flossing portion 114), the thickness of the handle portion 116decreases laterally. In certain embodiments, the thickness at the doublecrown point “C” is 6 mm (0.24″). In certain embodiments, the thicknessof the handle portion at point D” is 2 mm (0.0787″). In otherembodiments, the thickness may vary by as much as 25 percent dependingon the material used to form the handle portion 116 and the comfort ofthe user. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the transition from the groove 154to the double crown point “C” and back to point “D” may be accomplishedby the use of generally curved surfaces 158 a and 158 b.

In certain embodiments, there may be a plurality of lateral indents 160defined within the top generally curved surface 158 a and the bottomgenerally curved surface 158 b which may allow the user to be able togrip the handle portion 116 in a more secure manner. In yet otherembodiments, the plurality of lateral indents 160 may be coupled to aplurality of lateral rubber or Kraton™ inserts (not shown) which mayrise slightly above the generally curved surfaces 158 a and 158 b toallow for better grip of the handle portion 116.

In certain embodiments, there is the toothpick 120 projecting from a topor bottom face of the curved portion 122. In certain embodiments, thetoothpick 120 extends out from a face of the curved portion 122 byapproximately 5 mm (0.2″). In yet other embodiments, the toothpick 120is made from the same material as the toothpick 20 described above inreference to FIGS. 1 a through 3.

Turning now to FIG. 8 a through FIG. 10, there is presented anembodiment of a teeth cleaning system 210. The teeth cleaning system 210comprises an elongated body 212 having a longitudinal axis 213. Theelongated body 212 further comprises a flossing portion 214, a handleportion 216, and a brush portion 218. Furthermore, in certainembodiments there may be a toothpick or toothpick device 220.

In certain embodiments, the overall length of the elongated body 212 maybe in the range of approximately 3.54″ or 90 mm, plus or minus 10percent. In other embodiments, the over all length of the elongated body212 may be in the range of approximately 3″ or 75 mm and may range up toa length of approximately 6″ or 152.4 mm. In certain embodiments,components of the teeth cleaning system 210 are made from the samematerial(s) as in the corresponding components of the teeth cleaningsystem 10 described in reference to FIGS. 1 a through 7.

In certain embodiments and as points of reference only, the elongatedbody 212 may have a top face 240, a bottom face 242, a side face 244 andan opposing side face 246. Each of these faces may comprise one or moresurfaces. Furthermore, in some embodiments, there may be end surfaces.For instance, a curved end surface 250 joins the side face 244 to theopposing side face 246 of a head or brush portion 218. Other surfacesare illustrated in the Figures and will not be explained in detailunless reference to a specific feature is discussed using one of thesurfaces.

In some embodiments, the flossing portion 214 comprises a curved endportion 222 of the elongated body 212 and a side projected portion 224.The curved end portion 222 and the side projected portion 224 providesufficient support to allow a flossing member 226 to be strung tautlybetween the respective ends of the curved end portion 222 and sideprojected portion 224. In some embodiments, the flossing member 226 maycomprise a nylon string having a diameter of approximately 0.004″ or 0.1mm (or a flossing member which is similar in material and dimensions toflossing member 26 described above in reference to FIGS. 1 a through 3).

In certain embodiments, the curved end portion 222 extends 0.478″ or12.12 mm from the side face 244. The side projected portion 224 extends0.79″ or 20 mm from the side face 244. The projected end portion of theside projected portion 224 is positioned approximately 0.89″ or 22.5 mmfrom the projected end portion of the curved end portion 222 measuredalong the longitudinal axis 213. In some embodiments, the overallthickness of the flossing portion 214 is 0.063″ or 1.6 mm.

At the opposing end of the elongated body 212, there is the brushportion 218. The brush portion 218 comprises a head 228 sized toaccommodate a plurality of groups of bristles 230 extending from asurface 232 of the head 228 in a substantially transverse manner to thelongitudinal axis 213. In some embodiments, the brush portion 218 has awidth of 0.47″ or 12 mm, plus or minus 10 percent and a thickness of0.16″ or 4 mm.

In certain embodiments, there may be twenty-eight (28) groups ofbristles where each group of bristles, say bristle group 230 a comprisesa plurality of individual bristles (not shown). In some embodiments, theindividual bristles in the plurality of bristle groups 230 extendapproximately 5 mm (0.2″) from the surface 232 of head 228. Each groupof bristles, for instance, group of bristles 230 a may be inserted intoa corresponding aperture 234 a defined in the face 232 of the head 228and attached to the head by means known to those skilled in the art,such as a sterile industrial glue. In certain embodiments, each bristle(not shown) in the group of the bristles 230 a may have a diameter of0.15 mm (0.0059″). In certain embodiments, the farthest group ofbristles are positioned approximately 0.7″ or 18 mm from the end surface250 of the head portion 218. The bristles 230 may be made of a similarmaterial and have the same functions and benefits of the bristles 30described above.

The head 228 comprises a brush retaining portion 236 for retaining theplurality of brushes and a transition portion 238 which couples thebrush retaining portion 236 to the handle portion 216.

In certain embodiments the width and depth of the transition portion 238narrows along the longitudinal axis 213 from the brush retaining portion236 to the handle portion 216 as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. In otherwords, at point “A” the width and thickness of transition portion 238 islarger than at point “B.” In certain embodiments, there may be a narrowportion 254 at point “B” designed to reduce the rigidity of the head 228to provide a certain amount of “give” as the teeth cleaning system 210is used. In certain embodiments, the width of body at point “B” may be0.2″ or 5 mm and the thickness may be 0.063″ or 1.6 mm.

As previously discussed, the handle portion 216 joins the brush portion218 to the flossing portion 214. In certain embodiments, the thicknessand/or width of the handle portion 216 varies along the longitudinaldirection for ease of use and comfort. For instance, in certainembodiments, the width (i.e., the distance between the surfaces of theside face 244 and the surfaces of the opposing side face 246 asillustrated in FIG. 9) of the handle portion 216 increases laterally(with respect to the longitudinal axis 213) from the point “B” to adouble crown point “C” (with respect to the longitudinal axis 213). Incertain embodiments, the width of crown point “C” may be 0.23″ or 5.91mm and the thickness may be 0.12″ or 3 mm.

From the double crown point “C” to the point “D” (which is thelongitudinal point that defines the intersection of the handle portion216 with the flossing portion 214), the width of the handle portiondecreases laterally. In certain embodiments, the width of the handleportion 216 at point “D” is 0.2″ or 5 mm. As illustrated in FIG. 9, thetransition from the point “B” to the double crown point “C” and back topoint “D” may be accomplished by the use of convex curved surfaces 256 aand 256 b. Yet, in other embodiments, the side surfaces 244 and 246 ofthe handle are straight and thus, the width of the handle portion 216 isconstant from point “A” to point “D”.

In certain embodiments, the thickness (e.g. the distance between thesurfaces of the top face 240 and the surfaces of the bottom face 242 asillustrated in FIG. 10) of the handle portion 216 increases laterally(with respect to the longitudinal axis 213) from the point “B” (whichhas a thickness, e.g. of 0.063″ or 1.6 mm) to the double crown point “C”(which has a thickness, e.g. of 0.12″ or 3 mm). From the double crownpoint “C” to the point “D” (which defines the intersection of the handleportion 216 with the flossing portion 214), the thickness of the handleportion 216 decreases laterally (e.g. to a thickness of 0.063″ or 1.6 mmat point “D”). In other embodiments, the thickness may vary by as muchas 20 percent depending on the material used to form the handle portion216 and the comfort of the user. As illustrated in FIG. 7, thetransition from the groove or narrow portion 254 to the double crownpoint “C” and back to point “D” may be accomplished by the use ofgenerally curved surfaces 258 a and 258 b.

In certain embodiments, there may be a plurality of lateral indents 260defined within the top generally curved surface 258 a and the bottomgenerally curved surface 258 b which may allow the user to be able togrip the handle portion 216 in a more secure manner. In yet otherembodiments, the plurality of lateral indents 260 may be coupled to aplurality of lateral rubber or Kraton™ inserts (not shown) which mayrise slightly above the generally curved surfaces 258 a and 258 b toallow for better grip of the handle portion 216.

In certain embodiments, there is the toothpick 220 projecting from a topor bottom face of the curved end portion 222. In certain embodiments,the toothpick 220 extends out from a face of the curved portion 222 byapproximately 0.2″ or 5 mm. In certain embodiments, the interior end ofthe toothpick 220 may be positioned in an aperture having a diameter of0.06″ or 1.5 mm defined in the end of the curved end portion 222. Incertain embodiments, the toothpick 220 may be formed together with thebody 212. In yet other embodiments, the toothpick 220 is made from thesame material as the toothpick 20 or the toothpick 120 described abovein reference to FIGS. 1 a through 7.

The manner of using one embodiment of the teeth cleaning systems 10, 40,110, or 210 will now be described. As discussed above, the teethcleaning systems 10, 40, 110, or 210 are meant to be for a single orlimited use. Consequently, in certain embodiments, they may be providedto the end user surrounded by a disposable, sterile wrapper. The sterilewrapper (not shown) allows the teeth cleaning system 10, 40, 110, or 210to be carried in a sanitary manner. In other embodiments, there isprovided a reusable plastic case which may house one or more of theteeth cleaning systems 10, 40, 110, or 210.

The sterile wrapper is designed to be easily torn at one end so that thesystems 10, 40, 110, or 210 can be removed from the wrapper. Forexample, if the user is using the system 110, the user may then use thebrush portion 118 to brush his or her teeth while gripping the handleportion 116. The use of water or toothpaste is not necessary because thebristles are coated with Xylitol, fluoride and/or a flavoring agent.

After brushing is complete, the user may then turn the system around tofloss his teeth with the flossing member 126—again while gripping thehandle portion 116 which may remove any debris lodged between the teeththat may have been missed by the use of the brush portion 118.

Additional debris may be removed by use of the toothpick 120 whilemaneuvering the handle portion 116. The toothpick 120 may also provide agingival massage which may lead to increase circulation of the gums,increase keratinization and epithelial thickening. After use, the entiresystem 110 including the wrapper (not shown) may be discarded.

The abstract of the disclosure is provided for the sole reason ofcomplying with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow asearcher to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technicaldisclosure of any patent issued from this disclosure. It is submittedwith the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limitthe scope or meaning of the claims.

Any advantages and benefits described may not apply to all embodimentsof the invention. When the word “means” is recited in a claim element,Applicant intends for the claim element to fall under 35 USC 112,paragraph 6. Often a label of one or more words precedes the word“means”. The word or words preceding the word “means” is a labelintended to ease referencing of claim elements and is not intended toconvey a structural limitation. Such means-plus-function claims areintended to cover not only the structures described herein forperforming the function and their structural equivalents, but alsoequivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw havedifferent structures, they are equivalent structures since they bothperform the function of fastening. Claims that do not use the word meansare not intended to fall under 35 USC 112, paragraph 6.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has beenpresented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed. Many combinations, modifications and variations are possiblein light of the above teaching. Undescribed embodiments which haveinterchanged components are still within the scope of the presentinvention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited notby this detailed description, but rather by the claims inherent in thisspecification. For instance, the disclosure supports the followingexemplary claims:

A teeth cleaning system comprising:

an elongated body comprising

-   -   a brush means for brushing teeth, wherein the brush means        comprises:        -   a plurality of groups of bristles,        -   a brush retaining portion having a plurality of apertures            sized to coupled with and retain the plurality of groups of            bristles in a generally transverse direction to the            longitudinal axis,    -   a flossing means comprising;        -   a curved portion coupled to the handle portion,        -   a side projected portion extending generally laterally from            the handle portion,        -   a flossing member strung between the curved portion and the            side projected portion,    -   a toothpick means positioned on a surface of the curved portion        having a second longitudinal axis that is generally transverse        to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion, and    -   a handle means positioned between the brush means and the        flossing means, the handle means having a cross sectional shape        which can be held comfortably by the human hand.

Other exemplary claims could be: A disposable teeth cleaning systemcomprising:

an elongated body comprising

-   -   a brush portion,    -   a flossing portion,    -   a handle portion joining the brush portion to the flossing        portion having a longitudinal axis,    -   wherein the brush portion comprises:        -   a plurality of groups of bristles,        -   a brush retaining portion having a plurality of apertures            sized to coupled with and retain the plurality of groups of            bristles in a generally transverse direction to the            longitudinal axis,        -   a transition portion joining the brush retaining portion to            the handle portion;    -   wherein the flossing portion comprises;        -   a curved portion coupled to the handle portion,        -   a side projected portion extending generally laterally from            the handle portion,        -   a flossing member strung between the curved portion and the            side projected portion,    -   a toothpick positioned on a surface of the curved portion having        a second longitudinal axis that is generally transverse to the        longitudinal axis of the handle portion.

The disclosure also supports a claim such as: a disposable teethcleaning system comprising:

an elongated body comprising

-   -   a brush portion,    -   a flossing portion,    -   a handle portion joining the brush portion to the flossing        portion having a longitudinal axis,    -   wherein the brush portion comprises:        -   a plurality of groups of bristles,        -   a brush retaining portion having a plurality of apertures            sized to coupled with and retain the plurality of groups of            bristles in a generally transverse direction to the            longitudinal axis,        -   a transition portion joining the brush retaining portion to            the handle portion;    -   wherein the flossing portion comprises;        -   a curved portion coupled to the handle portion,        -   a side projected portion extending generally laterally from            the handle portion,        -   a flossing member strung between the curved portion and the            side projected portion,        -   a toothpick positioned on a surface of the flossing portion            having a second longitudinal axis that is generally            transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion;    -   wherein the handle portion comprises:        -   a first convex curved surface,        -   a second convex curved surface opposing the first convex            curved surface;        -   a third convex curved surface,        -   a fourth convex curved surface opposing the third convex            curved surface;    -   a circumferential groove defined around an intersection of the        transition portion and the handle portion.

The disclosure supports exemplary dependant claims such as:

The system of any of the above claims, wherein a width of the handleportion varies such that the width increases from the circumferentialgroove to the double crown point along the longitudinal axis locatedgenerally at the center of the handle portion, and then decreases fromthe double crown point to the intersection of the handle portion and theflossing portion.

The system of any of the above claims, wherein a thickness of the handleportion varies such that the thickness increases from thecircumferential groove to the a double crown point along thelongitudinal axis located generally at the center of handle portion, andthen decreases from the double crown point to the intersection of thehandle portion and the flossing portion.

The system of any of the above claims, further comprising a firstplurality of lateral indents defined on a first surface of the handleportion and a second plurality of lateral indents defined on an opposingsurface of the handle portion.

The system of any of the above claims, wherein the flossing member iscoated with a material selected from the group consisting of Xylitol™,fluoride, and a flavoring agent.

The system of any of the above claims, wherein the bristles are coatedwith a material selected from the group consisting of Xylitol™,fluoride, and a flavoring agent.

The system of any of the above claims, further comprising an enclosurefor the system.

The system for any of the above claims, wherein the enclosure is adisposable sterile wrapper.

The system for any of the above claims, wherein the enclosure is areusable plastic case.

The disclosure also supports claims directed to a disposable teethcleaning system comprising: a elongated body having a longitudinal axis;a handle portion of the elongated body including: a first convex curvedsurface, a second convex curved surface opposing the first convex curvedsurface; a first plurality of lateral indents defined on the firstconvex curved surface; a second plurality of lateral indents defined onthe second convex curved surface of the handle portion, a head portioncoupled to one end of the handle portion, wherein the head portioncomprises: a plurality of groups of bristles, wherein each bristle inthe plurality of bristles is coated with a material selected from thegroup consisting of Xylitol™, fluoride, and a flavoring agent, a brushretaining portion having a plurality of apertures sized to coupled withand retain the plurality of groups of bristles in a generally transversedirection to the longitudinal axis, a transition portion joining thebrush retaining portion to the handle portion wherein a width of thetransition portion narrows from the brush retaining portion to thehandle portion, wherein a thickness of the transition portion narrowsfrom the brush retaining portion to the handle portion, a firstintersection portioned positioned between the transition portion of thehead portion and the handle portion, a flossing portion coupled to anopposing end of the handle portion, the flossing portion comprising: acurved portion coupled to the elongated body, an end portion coupled tothe curved portion, a side projection portion extending from theelongated body in a direction generally parallel with respect to the endportion, a flossing member strung tautly between the end portion and theside projected portion, wherein the flossing member is coated with amaterial selected from the group consisting of Xylitol™, fluoride, and aflavoring agent, a toothpick positioned on a surface of the end portionhaving a second longitudinal axis that is generally transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the handle portion; a second intersectionpositioned between the flossing portion and the handle portion, whereina thickness of the handle portion varies such that the thicknessincreases from the first intersection to a first crown point positionedapproximately midway along the longitudinal axis; and an enclosure sizedto enclose the disposable teeth cleaning system.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein thethickness of the handle portion varies such that the thickness decreasesfrom the crown point to the second intersection of the handle portionand the flossing portion.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the handleportion further comprises: a third convex curved surface, and a fourthconvex curved surface opposing the third convex curved surface; whereina width of the handle portion is defined by the distance between thethird convex curved surface and the fourth convex curved surface and thewidth of the handle portion varies such that the width increases fromthe first intersection to a second crown point located generally at alongitudinal center of the handle portion, and then decreases from thesecond crown point to the second intersection of the handle portion andthe flossing portion.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the bristlesextend in the range of 4 to 6 mm from a face of the bristle retainingportion of the head portion.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein thetoothpick extends in the range of 4 to 6 mm from a surface of the endportion.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein an overalllength for the longitudinal body is in the range of 70 to 110 mm.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein thethickness of the handle portion varies from the range of 1.4 to 2.0 mmat the first intersection of the transition portion of the head portionand the handle portion to the range of 2.0 to 4.0 mm at the first crownpoint location positioned approximately longitudinally midway along thehandle portion.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein thethickness of the handle portion varies from the range of 2.0 to 4.0 mmat the first crown point location to the range of 1.4 to 2.0 mm at asecond intersection of the flossing portion and the handle portion.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the width ofthe handle portion at the second crown point is in the range of 5.0 to6.5 mm wherein the second crown point is located approximately at thelongitudinally middle of the handle portion and wherein the width of thehandle portion varies from the second crown point to first intersectionwhere the width at the first intersection is 4 to 6 mm.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the width ofthe handle portion is constant along the longitudinal axis.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein thethickness of the flossing portion is in the range of 1 to 2 mm.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the width ofthe brush retaining portion of the head portion is in the range of 10 to14 mm and the thickness of the brush retaining portion is in the rangeof 3 to 5 mm.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein thelongitudinal distance between a first attachment point position on theend portion and a second attachment point positioned on the sideprojection portion is in the range of 18 to 25 mm.

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein theelongated body is molded from a group of plastics consisting of asterile plastic, polypropylene, and a low strength TPU (Thermoplasticpolyurethane).

Embodiments may include the above system or systems wherein the flossingelement material consists of a string having a diameter in the range of0.8 to 0.14 mm and made from a material, wherein the group for thematerial consisting of nylon, a nylon-polyester blend, Terylene, andPolyester and wherein the string is coated with a coating agent,comprising a group of coating agents comprising: (1) Xylitol™ and aflavoring agent, (2) Xylitol and fluoride and a flavoring agent, (3)fluoride and a flavoring agent, or (4) any combination Xylitol andfluoride with or without a flavoring agent.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disposable teeth cleaning system comprising: a elongated body having a longitudinal axis; a handle portion of the elongated body including: a first convex curved surface, a second convex curved surface opposing the first convex curved surface; a first plurality of lateral indents defined on the first convex curved surface; a second plurality of lateral indents defined on the second convex curved surface of the handle portion, a head portion coupled to one end of the handle portion, wherein the head portion comprises: a plurality of groups of bristles, wherein each bristle in the plurality of bristles is coated with a material selected from the group consisting of Xylitol™, fluoride, and a flavoring agent, a brush retaining portion having a plurality of apertures sized to coupled with and retain the plurality of groups of bristles in a generally transverse direction to the longitudinal axis, a transition portion joining the brush retaining portion to the handle portion wherein a width of the transition portion narrows from the brush retaining portion to the handle portion, wherein a thickness of the transition portion narrows from the brush retaining portion to the handle portion, a first intersection portioned positioned between the transition portion of the head portion and the handle portion, a flossing portion coupled to an opposing end of the handle portion, the flossing portion comprising: a curved portion coupled to the elongated body, an end portion coupled to the curved portion, a side projection portion extending from the elongated body in a direction generally parallel with respect to the end portion, a flossing member strung tautly between the end portion and the side projected portion, wherein the flossing member is coated with a material selected from the group consisting of Xylitol™, fluoride, and a flavoring agent, a toothpick positioned on a surface of the end portion having a second longitudinal axis that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion; a second intersection positioned between the flossing portion and the handle portion, wherein a thickness of the handle portion varies such that the thickness increases from the first intersection to a first crown point positioned approximately midway along the longitudinal axis; and an enclosure sized to enclose the disposable teeth cleaning system.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the handle portion varies such that the thickness decreases from the crown point to the second intersection of the handle portion and the flossing portion.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the handle portion further comprises: a third convex curved surface, and a fourth convex curved surface opposing the third convex curved surface; wherein a width of the handle portion is defined by the distance between the third convex curved surface and the fourth convex curved surface and the width of the handle portion varies such that the width increases from the first intersection to a second crown point located generally at a longitudinal center of the handle portion, and then decreases from the second crown point to the second intersection of the handle portion and the flossing portion.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the bristles extend approximately 0.1969″ or 5 mm from a face of the bristle retaining portion of the head portion.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the toothpick extends approximately 0.1969″ or 5 mm from a surface of the end portion.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein an overall length for the longitudinal body is approximately 3.54″ or 90 mm.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the handle portion varies from approximately 0.063″ or 1.6 mm at the first intersection of the transition portion of the head portion and the handle portion to 0.11″ or 3 mm at the first crown point location positioned approximately longitudinally midway along the handle portion.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the handle portion varies from approximately 0.11″ or 3 mm at the first crown point location to approximately 0.063″ or 1.6 mm at a second intersection of the flossing portion and the handle portion.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the width of the handle portion at the second crown point is approximately 0.23″ or 5.91 mm wherein the second crown point is located approximately at the longitudinally middle of the handle portion and wherein the width of the handle portion varies from the second crown point to first intersection where the width at the first intersection is 0.2″ or 5 mm.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the width of the handle portion is constant along the longitudinal axis.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the flossing portion is approximately 0.063″ or 1.6 mm.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the width of the brush retaining portion of the head portion is approximately 0.47″ or 12 mm and the thickness of the brush retaining portion is 0.157″ or 4 mm.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal distance between a first attachment point position on the end portion and a second attachment point positioned on the side projection portion is approximately 0.88″ or 22.5 mm.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of groups of bristles comprises approximately 28 groups of bristles.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the elongated body is molded from a group of plastics consisting of a sterile plastic, polypropylene, and a low strength TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane).
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the flossing element material consists of a string having a diameter of 0.00394″ or 0.1 mm and made from a material, wherein the group for the material consisting of nylon, a nylon-polyester blend, Terylene, and Polyester and wherein the string is coated with a coating agent, comprising a group of coating agents comprising: (1) Xylitol™ and a flavoring agent, (2) Xylitol and fluoride and a flavoring agent, (3) fluoride and a flavoring agent, or (4) any combination Xylitol and fluoride with or without a flavoring agent.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein an overall length for the system is approximately 4.72″ or 120 mm.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the width of the handle portion varies from approximately 0.47″ (12 mm) at the first crown point location positioned approximately in the longitudinal middle of the handle portion to approximately 0.28″ (7 mm) at the first intersection of the flossing portion and the handle portion.
 19. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the handle portion varies from approximately 0.1969″ or 5 mm at the second crown point location positioned at the approximate longitudinal middle of the handle portion to approximately 0.0787″ or 2 mm at the first intersection of the flossing portion and the handle portion.
 20. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the flossing portion is approximately 0.079″ or 2 mm.
 21. The system of claim 1, wherein the width of the brush retaining portion of the head portion is approximately 0.35″ or 9 mm and the thickness of the brush retaining portion is 0.2″ or 5 mm. 